The official Anglican Cycle of Prayer has designated Sunday, January 26, 2003 as a day of prayer for the Archbishop of Canterbury. Coming just one month before the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury will be seated in the historic Chair of St. Augustine in the Cathedral Church of Christ, Canterbury, the intention of the prayer is one of thanksgiving for the ministry of Archbishop Rowan Williams and for the office and unique role of the Archbishop of Canterbury in the worldwide Communion. Other organizations have also observed special days of prayer, with Affirming Catholicism being first on December 6.
The ancient enthronement service will be held in Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday, February 27, 2003, the day the church commemorates George Herbert, priest and poet. Requests for seats by people from around the Communion have far outnumbered the 2,500-seat capacity of the cathedral. The service will be broadcast on BBC TV and heard on BBC Radio 4. ACNS will link to the BBC webcast and the availability of a commercial video for purchase will be announced in due course. A special edition of Anglican World magazine will also be published in early March.
The following prayer may be used on January 26 and at any other appropriate time:
"Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, and especially at this time for your servant Rowan, the Archbishop of Canterbury, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."
Anglican Communion Sunday is now set for May 25, 2003. The 12th Meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council passed a resolution last September on observing such a day, and asking in the future that a special offering be taken for the work of the ACC.
By Albert H. Lee
chtoday_editor@chtoday.com